Bow Valley College is a comprehensive community college in downtown Calgary, Alberta. Through ApplyBoard, international students can apply to career-focused diploma, certificate, and post-diploma certificate programs, with intakes in January, May, and September.
Why Choose Bow Valley College?
- Downtown Calgary Location: The main campus sits in Calgary's East Village, close to the riverside, shops, restaurants, and public transit.
- PGWP-Eligible Programs: Bow Valley College lists more than 20 programs as eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), across business, technology, health, and community studies.
- Job-Ready in One or Two Years: Programs are designed with industry partners, and many include a practicum or work-integrated learning placement.
- Fast Post-Diploma Options: If you already have a diploma or degree, post-diploma certificates let you build focused skills in areas like software development, data analytics, and digital marketing.
Explore Bow Valley College Programs
Sign in to your ApplyBoard account or register today to view available programs, requirements, and document checklists for Bow Valley College.
Bow Valley College Fees for International Students
Bow Valley College charges tuition per term, and most programs run two terms per year. For 2026-2027, international tuition for most diploma programs is approximately CAD $5,400 to $14,000 per term, and post-diploma certificates are approximately CAD $8,100 to $16,100 per term. Because costs vary by program and term, check the Bow Valley College tuition and fees page for your specific program before applying.
Note: Tuition is set for each term of each program, so the amount can change from one term to the next. The figures shown here are estimates only. Always confirm the exact cost for your program before applying.
Other Student Fees
Full-time students also pay term fees, including a Student Association fee, a technology fee, a student services fee, and a Calgary Transit UPass. The Student Association Health and Dental Plan is charged each term, but you can opt out if you have other coverage. See the full list on the tuition and fees page.
Tip! International students with a study permit of 12 months or more may be eligible for free coverage under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Apply within three months of arriving in Alberta.
How to Pay Tuition
Bow Valley College accepts international tuition payments securely through its official payment partner, Flywire. This allows you to pay in your home currency using local bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or e-wallets. You can also pay via online banking through most Canadian banks. Please note that the college does not accept in-person payments, bank drafts, certified cheques, or international money orders. Full payment instructions and secure payment links are available on your MyBVC student portal and your Letter of Acceptance.
International Student Scholarships
Bow Valley College offers entrance awards that are open to both domestic and international students. For a Fall start, applications typically open on May 1 and close on August 1.
Note: Scholarship availability and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Check the Bow Valley College awards page for the current list and deadlines.
Programs at Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College offers certificates, diplomas, and post-diploma certificates across its Chiu School of Business, School of Health and Wellness, School of Community Studies, and School of Creative Industries and Digital Technology. Most programs take one or two years to complete.
Warning! Not every program qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. If you want to work in Canada after you graduate, check the Bow Valley College PGWP-eligible programs list before you apply.
Diploma Programs
Software Development
Diploma, 4 terms
Learn to plan, build, and test software on real projects, using tools such as C#, JavaScript, React, SQL Server, and Git.
Cybersecurity Solutions
Diploma, 2 years
Start with networking and cloud basics, then move into threat detection, penetration testing, and security operations. Prepares you for roles such as SOC analyst or cybersecurity analyst.
Health Data Analytics
Diploma, 4 terms
Combine data analysis with health care knowledge, from databases and visual analytics to patient privacy, and finish with a project for a real health organization.
Business Administration – Supply Chain Management
Diploma, 2 years
Build skills in purchasing, logistics, transportation, and inventory, with courses that count toward the professional SCMP designation.
Practical Nurse
Diploma, 5 terms
An intensive nursing program with classroom, lab, and clinical training. Graduates can write the national exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alberta.
Early Childhood Education and Development
Diploma, 4 terms
Learn how young children grow and how to plan play-based learning, with a practicum every term. Graduates can apply for Alberta's highest level of Early Childhood Educator certification.
Addiction Studies
Diploma, 2 years
Prepare to support people affected by addiction, using trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches, with practicums in community agencies.
Certificate Programs
Education Assistant
Certificate, 2 terms
Learn to support children and teens with different learning needs in the classroom, finishing with a seven-week placement in a school.
Disability Studies
Certificate, 2 terms
Gain the skills to support people with disabilities and help build more inclusive communities, with careers in community and social services.
Post-Diploma Certificates
Post-diploma certificates are for students who already have a diploma or degree and want focused, job-ready skills in a new area.
Software Development
Post-Diploma Certificate, 2 terms
A fast route into software and mobile development, covering coding fundamentals, systems analysis, and databases.
Data Management and Analytics
Post-Diploma Certificate, 2 terms
Learn data modelling, databases, data warehousing, and visual analytics for roles such as data analyst or database administrator.
Digital Marketing
Post-Diploma Certificate, 2 terms
Build practical skills in search engine optimization, analytics, UX design, and digital media strategy.
Note: Intakes and availability change often, and some programs move to a waitlist. Check the ApplyBoard platform for the programs and intakes currently open at Bow Valley College.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements at Bow Valley College vary by program. The general requirements below are a guide. Always confirm the specific requirements for your chosen program before applying.
- Diploma and certificate programs: Secondary school completion, usually with English and Math equivalent to Alberta English 30-1 (or 65% in English 30-2) and Math 30-1 or 30-2. Some programs have extra subject requirements.
- Post-diploma certificates: A completed diploma or degree. Some programs also need specific courses, such as Math.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. See the document requirements by country.
- Passport: A valid passport is required.
English Language Requirements
Most international applicants must show proof of English language proficiency. Bow Valley College accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test, and test results must be less than two years old. Most programs, including post-diploma certificates, require IELTS 6.0 with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 83, or Duolingo 110. Minimum scores vary by program. For example, the Practical Nurse and Pharmacy Technician diplomas require higher scores in each skill, and Pharmacy Technician does not accept TOEFL or PTE. Check the English language requirements page for your program.
Check Eligibility and Start Applying
Ready to take the next step? Access your dashboard to review your eligibility and manage your application documents for Bow Valley College.
How to Apply to Bow Valley College Through ApplyBoard
You apply to Bow Valley College through the ApplyBoard platform. The application fee is CAD $150. Bow Valley College admits students on a first-applied, first-qualified basis, so apply early for the best chance at your preferred intake.
Note: Bow Valley College reviews and responds to submitted applications in about 6 days on average. Timelines vary by program and intake.
Before you apply, prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport (biographical page)
- Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions (with certified English translations if not already in English)
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo)
- For post-diploma certificates: your diploma or degree certificate
Submit your application through the ApplyBoard platform. Choose your program and intake (January, May, or September). Popular programs can fill quickly or move to a waitlist, so apply as early as possible.
If you meet the requirements, Bow Valley College will send your Letter of Acceptance (LOA). Review it carefully, including the deadline to confirm your offer.
Pay the CAD $1,500 confirmation fee within 21 days of acceptance to confirm your place. This fee is non-refundable and is applied to your first-term tuition.
Warning! If you miss the 21-day deadline, your offer may be withdrawn. Check the date on your acceptance and set a reminder.
After you confirm your offer, Bow Valley College issues your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). You need your LOA and PAL to apply for a Canadian study permit.
Use your LOA, PAL, and confirmation fee receipt to apply for a Canadian study permit. Once you receive a decision, update Bow Valley College by the deadline for your intake.
Note: Bow Valley College sets a deadline to submit your study permit decision for each intake. For example, the Fall 2027 deadline is July 20, 2027. If you do not update the college in time, your application may be closed.
Travel to Calgary and attend orientation. Bow Valley College does not have on-campus residences, so arrange housing before you arrive. The college points students to homestay, rental listings, and homesharing options on its Calgary life page.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College's main campus is at 345 6 Avenue SE in downtown Calgary, Alberta, in the East Village neighbourhood. The college also has regional campuses in other Alberta communities.
International students pay a CAD $1,500 confirmation fee within 21 days of acceptance. It is non-refundable and is applied to your first-term tuition.
Many are, but not all. Bow Valley College publishes a list of PGWP-eligible programs, including Software Development, Cybersecurity, Health Data Analytics, Practical Nurse, and several Business Administration majors. Check the list before you apply.
No. Bow Valley College does not have on-campus residences. Students usually choose homestay, shared housing, or rental apartments in Calgary.
Yes. International students with a valid Canadian study permit are generally permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off campus during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks, subject to their permit conditions.
Bow Valley College offers international students practical, career-focused programs in the heart of downtown Calgary, with a wide range of PGWP-eligible options. If you are ready to explore programs and apply, your ApplyBoard expert can guide you through every step.
Explore Bow Valley College Programs
Browse all available Bow Valley College programs on the ApplyBoard platform and apply today.